NXT UK on November 14th 2018. Triple H and NXT UK General Manager Johnny Saint unveiled the NXT UK Women's Championship. An eight woman tournament was set to crown the first ever women's champion of the NXT UK brand. Dakota Kai was part of the field of competitors alongside Toni Storm, Rhea Ripley, Xia Brookside, Isla Dawn, Millie McKenzie, Jinny and Nina Samuels. Kai would face the arrogant, self-absorbed star of The Nina Samuels Show, the one and only (just ask her) Nina Samuels during the second November 14th 2018 NXT UK episode.

Samuels controlled much of the match after causing Kai to get tied up in the ropes and striking her with a dropkick to the back. The self-proclaimed West End Sensation worked Kai's back over with a Gory Special until Dakota fought her way out via a sunset flip. A barrage of kicks followed by the running face wash in the corner and Kaio-Kick would set Nina up for Dakota to finish her off with the Kairopractor. Dakota advanced by pinfall to the semi final round to face Rhea Ripley in a re-match from the second round of the 2017 Mae Young Classic.

Dakota had defeated Ripley to advance in the 2017 Mae Young Classic. But this was not the same Rhea Ripley. The Aussie powerhouse had remade herself. She now had a no fucks given attitude, embracing brutality and showcasing a new look fitting her more aggressive persona. This was not only personal for Ripley who wanted to avenge her prior loss, Dakota had some revenge in mind too because it was Rhea who took to social media mocking the injury of Kai's bestie Tegan Nox. They would collide on the second November 21st 2018 episode of NXT UK.

The Team Kick chants were strong. Ripley wanted a test of strength. Dakota lifted her hand toward Rhea but Ripley backed down, not wanting any of The Skyscraper in a Petite Cloak. Rhea finally built up the courage to lock knuckles. Kai immediately got bent back even with the crowd cheering wildly to give her momentum. Ripley got Kai to the canvas where Dakota bridged out of a pin attempt. Rhea responded smashing her knee down on Kai's stomach. They were still locked up but Kai countered with a roll and monkey flip onto Rhea's shoulders.

Ripley stopped Dakota's momentum running her to the corner and sitting her on the top rope with a pat on the head. Rhea was not done, slapping Kai across the face. Dakota didn't take kindly to being patronized, firing back with a kick to the head while standing on the middle rope. A series of pin attempts came down to Kai getting a two count that she didn't hesitate to rub in Ripley's face. Dakota fired off with a running PK and standing Coup-de-Kai. Ripley went to the outside for respite but Kai pursued, striking her with two running penalty kicks from the apron.

The action returned to the ring where Ripley took over with some brutal offense. Kai would counter a delayed suplex with an inside cradle for two. Ripley came back, locking Dakota up in her reverse cloverleaf Prism Trap. Kai successfully fought to the ropes to force the break. Ripley went for it again but Kai fought it off. Rhea grabbed Kai who stung her off with a scorpion kick. Kai fired off with a right hand followed by a flurry of strikes staggering Ripley. She followed with a second scorpion kick and shotgun dropkick sending Ripley to the corner.

The running face wash followed by the Kaio-Kick kept Ripley down for two. Ripley hit the floor to regroup. Dakota went for another apron PK but this time Ripley caught her leg, lifting her onto her shoulders and dropping her face first to the apron. Yet again, that awful thing the Aussie ladies seem to take pleasure in doing to Our Captain. Ripley got Kai into the ring but only got a two count on a cover. Rhea took to trash talk which Kai responded to with a flurry of slaps. Ripley was staggered. Kai whipped herself to the ropes to shoot back with the Kairopractor but Rhea tossed her off and slugged her with a forearm.

Ripley lifted Dakota up for the Riptide but Kai slipped over Rhea's shoulders and rolled her up for a two count. Dakota waffled Ripley with a roundhouse kick. She grabbed Ripley's wrist and held onto it with her life as she unleashed Kawada kicks. Dakota kept her grip on the wrist going for another roundhouse. Ripley ducked and muscled Kai up for the Riptide. Kai was slammed to the canvas in a heap and held down for the three count. Dakota was disappointed but could still take pride knowing she brought it and came very close to victory.

Additional Information | Dakota Kai defeated Nina Samuels (4:39) in NXT UK Women's Title Tournament First Round on the second November 14, 2018 episode of WWE NXT UK at NEC Arena in Birmingham, West Midlands, England. Rhea Ripley defeated Dakota Kai (9:51) in NXT UK Women's Title Tournament Semifinal on the second November 21, 2018 episode of WWE NXT UK at NEC Arena in Birmingham, West Midlands, England.